Carnival in Portugal: What to See & Expect in 2026

No carnaval, ninguém leva a mal!

Carnival in Portugal is one of the country’s most exuberant celebrations.

Also known as Entrudo, it marks a moment of collective release when music fills the streets, costumes dissolve social boundaries, and daily life gives way to satire, spectacle, and excess.

Rooted in ancient pagan rituals celebrating the end of winter, Carnival later merged with the Christian calendar, aligning with Shrove Tuesday, the final day before Lent.

Portuguese Carnival reflects strong Brazilian influence, blending European, Christian, and West African traditions through music, dance, colourful costumes, and parades, while retaining its own identity.

Smaller in scale than Venice or Rio but equally energetic, Carnival in Portugal brings together folklore, religious symbolism, political satire, and modern party culture.

A common question for visitors is when Carnival takes place in Portugal. In 2026, it's:

Carnival Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday): 17 February 2026

This is the national high point of Carnival celebrations. If you can only attend one day, this is the most intense and festive moment.

However, Carnival in Portugal runs for several days, not just one. 

The main celebration period stretches from Friday 13 February to Tuesday 17 February 2026, with parades, street parties, and cultural events taking place throughout Lisbon and the country.

Some regions extend Carnival well beyond these dates. Destinations such as Madeira, Ovar, and Loures offer programmes that begin weeks earlier or continue past Carnival Tuesday. 

The weekends leading up to Carnival often feature the biggest parades, making them a good alternative for travellers with limited time.

Carnival in Lisbon is defined by its decentralised format. Unlike Rio’s single, iconic parade, Lisbon hosts Carnival events across multiple neighbourhoods.

In 2026, celebrations will take place in eight parishes, with 17 authorised Carnival groups leading parades and street parties across the city.

The festivities run largely from 13 to 17 February, bringing together street parties, parades, cultural events, and some of the country’s best seasonal food and drink.

Rather than one focal point, Lisbon’s Carnival unfolds through neighbourhood parades, roaming street bands, and spontaneous celebrations that spill out of bars and squares late into the night. This structure gives the city’s Carnival a relaxed, participatory feel.

Most street events are free to attend, making Carnival in Lisbon highly accessible. A small number of cultural programmes—such as concerts or family-oriented balls—are ticketed, but prices remain modest.

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Carnival energy concentrates in several key areas:

Among the standout events are major street parades such as:

For a calmer and more refined experience:

Timings vary: some events take place in the afternoon, while others begin late at night and continue into the early hours, particularly in nightlife districts.

Just north of Lisbon, Loures offers the closest thing to a classic, large-scale Carnival experience.

It is widely considered the “big parade” option for those based in the capital.

Loures features fixed parade routes, elaborate floats, and thousands of costumed participants.

In 2026, the Carnival follows the theme “A Journey Through Time”, with two main parades featuring over 15 floats and more than 2,500 participants each.

The programme runs from 7 to 18 February, with particularly intense celebrations from the 14th onward, including night events and closing ceremonies.

Often described as “the most Portuguese Carnival”, Torres Vedras offers a sharp contrast to both Lisbon and Loures. Its celebrations are rooted in satire, tradition, and local identity rather than spectacle alone.

Key features include politically charged floats, exaggerated caricature puppets, and the iconic matrafonas—men dressed as women.

Audience participation is central, with spectators encouraged to interact with parades and take part in playful traditions such as throwing cocotes, small paper and rubber projectiles.

Events run from 13 to 18 February, creating multiple peak moments across the Carnival period. Torres Vedras is particularly appealing to cultural travellers and repeat visitors seeking authenticity over scale.

Please note that the Torres Vedras Carnival has been cancelled in 2026 due to poor weather conditions.